More New York pictures!

These are just a few more shots of my New York adventure! I've finally got my mind around being in the city and am excited to get up there and start exploring. My first stop will be the builing in the first picture (Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MET) to purchase my membership! I plan to spend alot of time here!! I've signed my contract, passed all my tests and am just waiting on my license to get processed. I have a few more housekeeping type hoops to jump through (drug test, immunity titers, etc) but that's just details. I still haven't found out about housing and that's the last thing that is actually giving me any anxiety. I just feel like I can't really start planning until I have that last bit of info...hopefully soon. I'll keep you posted! If anybody feels like a visit....


The MET...Starry Night is here.

Lucas told us to "frolick," we were in Central Park after all.

Ground Zero....just plain sad.

We really liked the tiny building behind us which I have now been seeing in commercials for Rhapsody!

Trinity Church in the Financial District at the corner of Wall and Broadway...I'm told it was used as a triage facility for the victims of 9/11. It's a gorgeous building though the picture doesn't really capture the reality of it.

I almost forgot!

Apparently I've become computer illiterate because not only can I not get my pictures to move, I cannot cut and paste my text. Therefore, pictures first in a totally inappropriate order! I must remember to add the images and then type! If I weren't so lazy, I'd just redo it!


This is the tree at Rockefeller Center, no lights yet!

Me at Radio City Music Hall

I bet you can figure this one out all on your own!!

Manhattan skyline - this is the Financial District, potentially my new home!

A very nice young woman on Wall Street offered to take our picture...see, I told you they were friendly!

Megan and I on Wall Street...can you see the sign at the top?

With our fabulous Thanksgiving dinner! This is actually Megan's picture but I have something in my hair in mine!

I have been so busy I almost for got to get on here and update! I'm sure sighs would have been heard 'round the world! Anyway, I really have been a busy girl. I've been taking trips in between working and now I'm trying to get all packed up to go home for Christmas!

I went home early in November for my uncle's funeral. I wrote about him and his cancer diagnosis earlier. I hadn't planned to go home for his service but it worked out that they scheduled the service for a time when I had seven days off. So, I couldn't just sit here in Virginia knowing that my family would be getting together. I don't see that side very much anyway so it was a really great time. Due to the short notice (I found out Sunday and flew home Thursday), I didn't really tell anyone so it was a big surprise. I think it was the right thing to do...an unexpected happiness in a time of grief. I hope that doesn't sound conceited...I'm just as surprised as you at how much my family actually loves me and likes it when I'm home!!

I came back to Virginia and worked for a week or so and then flew to New York for a visit with Lucas and Megan. We had planned, even before they left, to try and do Thanksgiving together the week before the actual holiday, knowing we would all be working and unable to go home. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon after a 45 minute flight that was scheduled to take 1.5 hours. Needless to say, I had a little wait at the airport before my friends arrived! Saturday was pretty low key...Lucas had cooked a traditional turkey dinner and so we ate and chatted and went to bed early! Sunday was a full day with a train ride into the city and an agenda full of touristy activities. They actually live and work on Long Island but it's just a 45 minute ride into Manhattan. We started off in the Financial District and just walked all over. We saw Ground Zero, several beautiful churches, and walked down Wall Street. We ended up at Southside Seaport where we took a little cruise on the East and Hudson rivers to see the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. We walked thru Chinatown and Little Italy and then made our way down 5th avenue (or maybe up...I'm really not sure!) to Broadway where we were able to score tickets to the supposedly sold out "Jersey Boys." It's the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons....very interesting and funny and the music was phenomenal!! We got out of there around 5:30 or 6 and it was already dark! We just kept walking though!! We went by Radio City Music Hall on our way to Rockefeller Center. We caught a peek inside Radio City...so ornate! They were just starting to put the tree up at Rockefeller and it was still in the transport box...I'll post pictures so you'll know what I mean! I was surprised at how small the ice skating rink is...in my mind I expected it to be huge! We went up to "Top of the Rock" which is just the rooftop of the Rockefeller Center and saw some great views! A walk through Times Square ended our night in the city! I must say...it was my lucky weekend because there was not many people. It was very crowded by my country standards but Lucas and Megan assure me the city was pretty empty! We slept in on Monday and then Lucas took me for a tour of their town and a Mediterranean lunch (a turkey sandwich and baklava). We met up with Megan and went back to the city for a walk in Central Park. I wanted to go to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) but unbeknownst to us, they are closed on Mondays! We walked all the way from 86th street down 8th avenue to Penn Station...finding quite the competition between Starbucks and porn stores along the way! There was at least one of each every other block or so! We had breakfast for dinner at the Stage Door deli across the street from Penn Station. We walked right past Mo Rocca but Lucas and Megan didn't know who he was so that kinda lost some of the thrill. He is a comedian who was on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and also does some stuff for VH1, just FYI! After we filled our bellies with really great french toast, we had a relaxing ride home. We planned to stay up really late because Lucas and Megan had to work Tuesday night and wanted to try and sleep most of the day. Lucas and I took a nice long walk in the rain which definitely served its purpose of keeping us awake! Tuesday was lazy...slept until 11, showered and packed, my first taste of New York pizza and then a short flight home! I really had a great time and realized most of my fears about the city may be justified, just overinflated! The subway isn't some dark hole with a criminal in every corner, nor is it as complicated as I feared. People are actually somewhat friendly...though most that I encountered where probably tourists! And English is a minority language...lots of tourists from across the seas!! I'm really glad I was able to go...it didn't look promising until about two weeks before I went but some schedules were able to be changed and it all worked out.

Of course it was great to see my friends and explore some parts of the city they hadn't seen together but now I'm even more grateful because I am going to be working in Manhattan for my next assignment! I never would have had the guts to accept if I hadn't had some fears laid to rest during that visit! I'm still waiting on a contract and my license but I have been offered a job and if everything works out, I'll start January 5th! So, I'll get to spend Christmas AND New Year's with my family!! I will be working at New York Presbyterian's Columbia campus which is associated with Columbia's Medical School. It is in Washington Heights, which is an area that has historically been unsavory but is really coming along. There are some neat things to do up there but it still has a high crime rate, 2nd only to Harlem. For that reason, I won't be housed up there and will have to take the subway to work but that's probably for the best. If I'm going to be in Manhattan, I want to be where the action is! Washington Heights is almost the northermost point in Manhattan, not far from the Bronx. I'll be either in the Financial District (southermost point of Manhattan) or on the upper west side (by Central Park) but both are fairly close to the water! I'm hoping for upper west just because the apartments are a little bigger (meaning up to 600 square feet instead of 350!) and a little nicer! Living is expensive in Manhattan...my allowance is $3000 and for that I may end up with 350 square feet of space! The upside is that all I'll have to bring is clothes...no dishes, no linens, etc. So, I've been trying to pack and while doing so, throw out a lot of crap that I insisted on bringing to Virginia and haven't touched in 6 months! I've already carrried out 4 bags of junk!

I'll, of course, be driving home and leaving my car. I hope to get there by Thursday (the 18th) afternoon. My plan is to get off work Wednesday morning, sleep until late afternoon, do whatever walk-thru for the apartment and then drive all night, not stopping until home! The construction on 64 in Missouri is almost finished so I will be able to take the most direct route which should be about 16 hours. Sounds like a lot but I did about 13 on the way out here before I stopped for the night. I'll just play it by ear and if the weather is going to be bad, I won't sleep as long on Wednesday and drive part of the way and stop at night. We shall see! Then, Ill be home until January 2nd when I'll fly to NY. I'll move in on Friday and spend Saturday and Sunday finding the best route to work and acclimating to my new neighborhood! Unfortunately, Megan will be working when I arrive and then she leaves on Sunday morning for home so I don't think I'll get to see her! I'm not sure about Lucas as he finishes his contract one week later but I know he'll be working Sun, Mon and Tue so he can go home on Wed. It's kind of a bummer to have them that close and yet so far away!

Now for the best part of my ramblings...the pictures! Just a little note, Lucas had the camera and got some really great shots...the best part is that I'm in most of them!! ;-) There are so many great shots, I'll post more on another day!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I'm working the next several days - until Thursday actually - but will have some time to write next weekend!

I love politics!

I attended the Sarah Palin Rally in Fredericksburg today! I worked all night and then went and stood in line for hours (five to be exact) to see this lady speak...and I would do it all again tomorrow if I had the chance! She comes across as humble and contrary to media reports, intelligent! Most exciting for me is that I didn't get that slimy feeling I have when I hear Barack Obama speak. Now I know she isn't perfect and she is the VP nominee, not presidential, but she definitely sweetens the McCain pot for me...good thing since I sent in my absentee ballot over a week ago!! It was a really neat experience, one we Oklahomans don't get very often since we are about as red as a state can get!!

Other news is that I went to California for my friend Kelley's wedding...had a great time seeing good friends! It also made me pretty confident that if I am ever to be blessed with marriage, it will be via a Vegas elopement!!

I'm hanging in as time is winding down in Virginia. I'll be home for Christmas (wow - that line would make a great song...he he) and then off to parts as yet unknown. I was kinda planning on trying to meet up with Lucas and Megan but I just don't think it's gonna work out. It's a pretty complicated process and no guarantees that we would all be able to get jobs in the same place so I'm just going to plan what I wanna do and hope they will decide to follow! I will be talking tomorrow with a recruiter about Boston so my next post will have lots more news on that front. I'm tentatively planning to go to New York to visit my dear friends the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. Since we all have to work on the holiday, we are gonna have our dinner a little early! We did that last year in CA and it was great...made the distance from our families a little more bearable!

This is the gang...Sean, Cindy, Kelley, Johanna and I before we went out on the town for the Bachlorette party!

Some of the really great people I used to work with...Tom, me, Megan, and Cindy

During Palin's speech at the rally with her husband and Fredericksburg's own Joe the plumber looking on.

Sarah showing the crowd some love!

Long overdue!

My month started with a trip home. I met my newest niece (see pictures below), got reaquainted with my other nieces and visited my family. I ate way too much...probably more food was consumed by me in that week than I had eaten the entire month of August!! My favorite aunt made me dinner on Friday, my siblings came over for dinner on Saturday, and my grandparents had my entire family (Oakley side) over for lunch after church on Sunday. That was very touching because it was totally unexpected and no small undertaking...there are over 40 of us when we all get together! It was a really laid back visit, just hanging out with the people I love most! I was so suprised at the weather though. My first three days, I had to wear sweatshirts and jeans! Lucas, Megan and I had a couple of days off together when I got back. We took Megan to Alexandria for her birthday. We explored downtown a little bit (lots of neat little shops and great townhomes), had dinner and walked along the Potomoc. We took some silly pictures which Megan has so I'll have to post some of those later! The next day we spent a somber day in DC. We visited the newly opened Pentagon Memorial. It wasn't what I expected at all and once we got it figured out, was very impressive with its uniqueness and thoughtfullness. We followed that up with a visit to the Holocaust Museum. They don't let you take pictures there but it is a must see for anyone visiting DC. It was a real eye opener to how the Germans just fell in line with Hitler...I had always thought it was just a tyrannical takeover. It is just so horrible to realize how people can be so unbelievably cruel to each other. It also opened my eyes to how this country is in danger of that sheep like mentality. We did get to laugh a little later that evening. We met Chris (friend from the hospital) and went to his parents house for dinner. His mom, aunt, and both grandmothers were there. We laughed, played terrible pool in the garage and laughed some more! Megan had to work the next day so Lucas and I hung out. We had lunch and then Joe came down from DC and we hung out some more. We went to Bailey's which is a pub type bar where Lucas and Joe tried a few of the thirty-something beers they have on tap. They fancy themselves connoisseurs - I guess Joe really kinda is and Lucas is in training! We had to actually work after that...gotta pay for all this fun somehow!! It's been really busy at work...really high census and not enough nurses. Thank goodness some of the other floors were able to lend us nurses so we didn't have to take four pts (there was a point we thought that might happen...our normal pt load is two!)!! Had one day off so we went shopping - Lucas and Megan are going to New York for their next assignment and are in need of warm clothing as well as some fancy duds for Broadway shows and such! Unfortunately, we didn't find much but we had a great time anyway!

This week was Lucas and Megans last week. They have next week off and then start at their new position on October 6th. Can ya'll believe it's already October? September is pretty much a blur...guess the old cliche, time flies when you're having fun, is true!! We had a fairwell dinner at Bonefish Grill (it was terrible by the way) with a couple of friends from the hospital (Chris and Alecia) and then I went and hung out for a bit at their place. Lucas was so horrible to us...after he woke from his nap on the couch while Megan and I tried to get her stuff packed...he put our pictures on yearbookyourself.com and tortured us with 80's hairdos! It's a fun little site, if you are ever bored out of your mind you should check it out! Megan left on Thursday but Lucas stayed until today. He was supposed to leave yesterday but his friends (Joe and Ashley) came Thursday night and they stayed up pretty late and he put off packing until the last minute so he wasn't quite finished when they arrived. If you know Lucas, I'm sure you're shocked by this information (note the sarcasm please)! He met me at our favorite breakfast place (Cracker Barrel) after I got off work Friday morning. We had a great chat and got to do our favorite thing (rock in the rockers outside) at our favorite breakfast place despite the cold rainy morning! I was very proud of myself for not crying when we finally parted! Of course, it helps that I'm going to be able to vist pretty much whenever I want. I can ride the train for six hours or fly in one (not counting time spent getting to and sitting in the airport). The best news is that either option only costs about $150, pretty cheap for a long weekend in New York!! It also helps that I may rejoin them in January. I just don't have the desire to do this by myself anymore. I took off to Springfield all those years ago (okay...two) by myself without a second thought. Then, I got spoiled! I had Cindy as a roommate for a year, then I went home and had my mom and other family and then here with Lucas and Megan. I like living by myself but I don't want to live in a place where I don't know anyone. Of course, to be fair, I would have been closer with the friends I have made here (Lauren, Lindsay and Reuban) had Lucas and Megan not been here. But, everyone that I have really connected with have been travelers and are either gone or leaving in the next few weeks. Chris and Alishia are staff but they worked with Lucas and Megan and I've only hung out with them a few times. I like them very much though and there are some plans in the works to spend some time together. It is just more fun to start the whole process with a friendly face, especially since it can take me awhile to make friends! I've been here for over three months and they are still teasing me about being so quiet!!

I did absolutely nothing yesterday and am on my way to an equally productive day today! I could go to the college and see Barak Obama and Joe Biden speak but I'd have to go by myself and sit around for several hours before the action starts. Besides, I feel too lazy!! I work the next three days then leave on Thursday for California. Kelley and Homero's wedding is on Saturday and then I'll be home on Monday. I hope to settle into a routine after that...I haven't been to the gym since I returned home from Oklahoma...not good!! Luckily, I have been able to lose the five pounds (not kidding) I gained in OK by settling back into my normal eating plan. However, I am not going to win the contest I have with my aunt to see who can lose the largest percentage of weight (like the biggest loser) by Christmas if I don't get serious!!!

I am also excited to get back to church here. I haven't been since I got back because I've worked every Sunday with the exception of the day we went to Alexandria. I'm also reading through the Bible in 90 days along with my friend, Julie. I was kinda feeling bad because there really isn't time to do indepth study of the material due to the volume (several chapters a day from three different books). But, I'm reading The Good Book by Peter Gomes (which is basically about how to read the Bible) and he says it's ok because it lets you explore the material and recognize the parts you really feel led to go back and spend more time studying.

I apologize, this probably isn't a very fun read. It's a little too facty! Hopefully, these pictures will spice things up!!!

This is Natalie!!

Kendyle learned how to wink. I can't believe how many toys this child has and she wants to play with my empty Propel bottle!!

This is Lucas, Megan, Steve (Allie's boyfriend), Allie (Chris's cousin), Alisha, me and Chris in the backgroud. This is from the day we went to Georgetown...the Potomoc is behind us.

This is Chris, Megan, Lucas and I before dinner at Chevy's one night.

Just a quick update!

Hey all...I haven't forgotten you! I went on my visit to Oklahoma and then when I got back my computer didn't work! I now have a brand new motherboard and a fully functional computer so as soon as I have a free day I'll be back with a full report of my activities!

Busy, busy, busy!

I may not be as busy as my dear friend Jenny (my prayers are with you girl) but I have been pretty active lately! I started the month with a trip to Lynchburg, VA with Megan and Lucas. Megan grew up there and Lucas went to college at Liberty which is located there. So we spent several days checking out the town, visiting Megan's family, seeing some of Lucas's old friends and even did a little hiking! Upon returning to Fredericksburg, I worked, took an ACLS course (required for my job) and worked some more! There was a little bit of playtime in there, dinner with Megan and then a couple of hours on the playground with Lucas! Last night he and I went to DC and had a very late night bike ride - we left around midnight and I dropped him off at 0430! It was such a great night...no traffic and very few tourists (I think we saw 5 people, not counting security guards) so it felt like we had the National Mall to ourselves! I'll post a few pictures after I finish rambling!! I work the next 5 out of 6 days, have a few days off, work my three days and then get to go home for a visit! I'm very excited to get to see everyone and meet my new niece! After that, I will return to Fredericksburg to work for a couple of weeks and then go to California for my friend Kelley's wedding! I'm excited to go but very sad for the day to come because when I return to Fredericksburg, Lucas and Megan will be gone! I hate to admit it but I miss them already! I'm hoping to be able to work enough that I won't get too lonely plus I definitely plan to take a train ride to wherever they end up (either New York or Boston). It is unbelievable how cheap and fast the train ride will be. I have only checked into NY but that is a 5-6 hour ride costing less than $100. Hooray for cheap travel!! Okay - here are some pictures!

This is me on the peak of Sharp Top which is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Chillin' with George Mason!

Jefferson Memorial - my favorite!

Inside the Jefferson Memorial

Korean War Memorial - my second favorite - you have to see this one in the dark, it totally changes the tone!

One of the "men" at the Korean War Memorial

The facial expressions are amazing...you can almost feel what they are thinking!

For those of you that have Myspace or Facebook - there are many more pictures should you be interested!!

What's on my mind...

I'm supposed to be at work right now but census is down so I'm on call. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share what I've been thinking about with my devoted readers ;). First and foremost, has been family. My Grandma's brother was recently diagnosed with lung cancer that is apparently very advanced and involves his heart. His doctors have basically told him there is nothing they can do and give him 1-3 months. It's times like these I realize fully the disadvantages of my lifestyle. I wish I could be home and hug my Grandma...anything to bring her comfort. I also wish I could be home to hold my new niece. Little Miss Natalie Nicole was born July 31 to my brother and his wife, their first. She makes four granddaughters for my parents! Sometimes, I wish I could be home just so I had some company! I am very thankful that I have friends here now, not sure what I would have done if I hadn't. I never, not in my wildest dreams, expected to feel as lonely as I have. I have actually considered giving up travel nursing several times because of this. I realize I am too dependent on my friends. I rely on them for things I should be relying on God for. I feel He is using this time to draw me closer to Him and while I don't object, sometimes I wonder how exactly one goes about that. Oh, I know intellectually...but it is my heart that needs help. There is a wall, I'm sure I've built it, that I feel I'm continually running into. How do I tear it down?

I am happy. I am having loads of fun. I am so thankful for amazing friends. I just want to live my full potential as a servant of the Lord. I don't know that I can achieve that with my current occupation. That is why I think it's time for me to go back to school. Not right this second, but definitely within the next year or two. I also want to find a place to settle down. The obvious choice is home but I don't believe home is the best place for me. I find myself becoming too complacent there. I want to find a place where I will be challenged. I also feel a very strong call to attend a Christian University. I have been debating about doing an online program vs actually attending class. I'm not sure I would get the full benefit of a Christian University without actually showing up there! I would need to continue to work, obviously and that causes me to lean toward online. I'm glad I have some time to pray and ponder! Another big decision is whether or not I pursue nursing as my chosen degree. I really feel a pull in another direction but that direction is unclear. I'm sure I will stay in healthcare but don't feel I want to continue in the hospital. Basically, my future is one big puzzle!!

I realize this is a random post and I'm not even sure it makes sense! I just want you to have a sense of my turmoil!! ;) I guess I should be glad I don't feel stuck in a rut - I definitely have options...maybe too many!!!! Wish me luck!

I've lost 40 pounds!

That's it, just wanted to brag about my success!! Love to you all!!

Two in one day!

Okay Julie - I'm posting two in one day, all for you!! I got so busy in the last one talking about my mini vacation that I forgot to tell you what else I've been up to! I got to talk to an old friend from high school (the very fabulous April W.) and we had a really great conversation. So fun to catch up and just share my current life with someone who knew me way back when! I've also been reading several books. I just finished "Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwen. I really liked the book although the author's personal life has sparked some interesting discussions!! I'm trying to get into Unchristian but I'm struggling. So far it has been statistic this and data that which is kinda the purpose of the book (it is based on a study done into how Christians are perceived by those that are not Christians). I'm hoping it will get better...I'll let you know. I have officially put in for an extension here in Fredericksburg that will take me up to Christmas. I don't have confirmation from the hospital yet (it could take a few days because I have requested some time off that will have to be approved) but I do know they want me to stay. Two of the assistant nurse managers have asked me and I was told last night they had put in the request to the HR people earlier this week to keep me! I'm feeling kinda sad though because Lucas and Megan aren't staying - they will be heading to either Manhattan or Boston. I considered tagging along but the money isn't great and the licenses are expensive (almost $500 each which is reimbursed by my company but just doesn't seem worth it right now). I still have a South Carolina license that I haven't used and besides, I'm more focused on paying down my debt and saving money. I still plan to go to Europe next fall (if Lucas doesn't wimp out on me) and would like to return to school in the next 18 months. I have made a couple of friends, one of whom I'm fairly certain is going to extend so I won't be totally alone! The problem is that the unit is so huge (not just numbers but actual size) that it's hard to really bond with people while at work. I admit, I haven't put forth much effort either because I already had a friend and soon gained another in his roommate!! I'm excited to say that things are progressing well with my brother and sister-in-law's baby. She appears to be healthy and will hopefully arrive sometime in the next week or two!! If all goes as planned, I'll get to meet her the first week of September! I'll also be returning to California soon (the first week of October) for Kelley and Homero's wedding! I guess I should have titled this post "I should be working" because I'm going to have to put in some overtime to pay for all these travel plans!! I do work the next four days but that is just my regular schedule. We are also planning to go to Lynchburg for a few days in August...that's Megan's hometown and Lucas when to college there (Liberty University). I'm going to be a busy girl but I'll try to keep ya'll updated!!

I hate thinking of titles....

I'm not very good at it, obviously!! I think I've used the "I should be sleeping" one twice, not very good for three months worth of posts!! Besides, I end up rambling about so many things, I could never think of a title that accurately describes the content of my post. Okay - enough of that...on to the fun stuff!!

I swam in the Atlantic this past weekend!! It was shocking how much warmer that water is than the Pacific! No wetsuit needed!! I went with Lucas and Megan to his hometown. We visited his family a couple of days and then drove to Myrtle Beach, which is only about 45 minutes from where he grew up. It was a little dreary, rained on Friday and Saturday. We finally got some sun on Sunday so we managed a couple of hours of beach time then. The other days were spent shopping, exploring, and eating good food! I had a great time at the beach but I think I enjoyed the huge dose of southern hospitality I got from Lucas's family more! Everyone was so welcoming with hugs all around like we'd know each other for ages. His mom cooked the best pot roast I have ever eaten, his aunts gave us fruits and veggies straight from the garden, and him mom loaded us up with toothpaste and toothbrushes (she's a dental hygienist)!! Not to mention how they treated us just like family and made us feel right at home. I seriously could have been right in the middle of my own family and wouldn't have felt a bit different!

This is the view from out hotel room (on the 17th floor). Unfortunately, I didn't think to retake pictures once the sun finally decided to show itsself!!

Sunset from our balconey! There wasn't a good sunrise, despite me being up at 0530 to try to catch one!!

This is Megan and I at Georgio's - it's amazing how a simple turkey sandwich can taste so good!!

This is in front of Webster Manor in Mullins, SC (Lucas's hometown). It's a B&B that puts on this amazing buffet for lunch...all kinds of southern food I had never eaten before like greens, chicken bog and buttermilk pie!

My first experience at PF Changs...very tasty but kinda expensive for Chinese!!

There is this really crazy place called South of the Border - it is a Mexican place but I'm not really sure of it's purpose, kinda like an amusement park but I don't think there were any rides!! Anyway - Lucas insisted we stop and we found all these fun animals to take our pictures on. This one is a turtle - I'm not sure why Megan didn't get him in the picture! I kept tickling Lucas (he's such an easy target) which is the reason for the death grip on my hands!!

We had to look at every man statue (there were several) before Lucas finally declared this one the perfect one for a picture of all of us. Yay to being able to work the timer on my camera!!

And no vacation would be complete without a picture on a weiner dog!

I should be sleeping...

I went to bed at 6am today, planning to sleep until 4 since I am working tonight. Unfortunately, at approximately 9:15 I woke up, bright eyed and bushytailed! I tossed and turned for a bit, realized that wasn't working so I turned to pharmological intervention. I took a Benadryl (usually knocks me smooth out for at least six hours) and some Ibuprofen - I recently added weight training to my gym time and I'm sure feeling it. It is now 10:45 and I don't feel even a little droopy eyed! I think my mind is just so full right now, it is impossible to shut off. I'm gonna share what's running around in this little head of mine with you in hopes it will allow me at least a few hours of sleep today! First, but not necessarily foremost, is that I no longer require ten or twelve hours of sleep. I now consider five hours a good night's (or day's) rest. This leaves me with lots of thinking time, which you might think would prevent today's problem, but really only adds to it. I even increased my gym time (3 hours last night) thinking I could just wear myself out. That obviously isn't working. Anyway - back to my thinking problem...all this thinking time has brought to my attention how little I really know. I keep having these really great conversations with Lucas that are really eye-opening - about God, faith, church, the world in general and me. That last one is the real kicker. I shared with you last post about how much I was loving Captivating. That little love affair hit a few bumps and at one point, I put the book down and declared I wasn't finishing it. There were just so many things that weren't feeling right and the final straw was all the talk about calling God "my lover." I was sharing this with Lucas (he has read Wild at Heart and actually introduced me to Captivating) and he made the statement that I was "resistent" to the way of thinking presented by the book. At first, I railed against that statement and went about trying to prove I wasn't. When I was alone later that night, those words really started to work on me. I think I am resistent, especially to the idea of allowing anyone (even God) to have total control over my life. I also was resentful of the implications that I was just sitting around, waiting to be swept off my feet by some hero figure and not really able to contribute to the world as a single person. There are definitely parts of the book that I didn't allow to speak to me, often using the excuse of how cheesy it sounds at parts. I will say that I still find some of it ranks really high on the cheese but now I'm realizing that Satan is using that to block the parts I need most from my heart. I have since finished the book (yay!), really enjoying the last few chapters. I think I'm going to give it some time, a week or two, to let what I did allow myself to learn to take root. Then, I'm starting the book all over again, taking it lots slower and ignoring the wordage I was getting so hung up on the first time and letting the core principles speak to my heart. I must thank all of you who shared your thoughts on the book with me. I think God used each of you to, in a sense, give me enough doubt about myself (everyone else loves this book, what's wrong with me that I am not enjoying it) to keep me challenged to finish. I suppose it could have been the devil, trying to use those doubts to push me further from the truth....if so, his plan failed miserably! So, I'm sure over the coming weeks I'll have more to share about this book and it's impact on my daily living.

In addition to Captivating, I just finished a bible study in James and am currently in Romans. At the same time I was reading Captivating, I also picked up Henri Nouwen's book Life of the Beloved, which I am really enjoying. I have such a bad habit of wanting to get to the end of a book, I often don't give enough to the actual journey of reading the book. Nouwen's book is pretty easy to race through (it's actually written as a letter to a friend of his) and I find I have to force myself to slow down. This is another book I'll probably end up re-reading!

In addition to that, I am enjoying work for the most part. I have also been spending lots of time enjoying the area. Lucas and I took a drive to the "beach" the other day - it ended up being fun, we walked around town and critiqued houses! But, the beach wasn't what I usually think of - no sandy beaches (they had pebbles), no crashing waves (it's on the river, not the ocean) and no beautiful palm trees. However, there were lots of people out there, enjoying God's creation, me included. We also took another trip to DC. We actually parked in Alexandria (great downtown area) and rode the metro to DC (for $3.00 one way - way cheaper than gas)!! I got to see Union Station for the first time and got an upclose look at the Capitol Building.

We are planning to take a trip next week to Lucas's home town which is very near Myrtle Beach. Yay, my return to the ocean is very near!! Hopefully, that silly Bertha (Atlantic hurricane) will either die down or veer to the right like she is predicted to do!!! I'm sure I'll have good stories and some pictures to share when I return.

I also have been visiting a new church every week and have actually found a couple that I am considering for my regular place of worship (at least until the end of August). They each have a contemporary service, complete with praise band and are just full of friendly people. One has really great small groups - though more regular sunday school feel than bible study (which I would prefer) but I haven't yet heard their Pastor as he was on a mission trip in Moldova the day I attended. The other is a little lacking in the small group area (I think I would be in a group with much older and married folks) but I really enjoyed the format of the sermon. The Pastor is basically breaking down the Bible, verse for verse which I love. I intend to visit each again and then will hopefully make a final decision. Or maybe I can alternate.....we shall see.

It is time to start looking at places for my next assignment. It's still kinda early but I'm leaning toward Massachusetts and I would need to apply for their license like yesterday. They verify each license (I think I have 6) and the real kicker to that (in addition to the $40 fee I must pay each state) is that CA can take up to six weeks to verify my license so it could potentially take 10 weeks for my licence to be issued (no temporary from them) and I only have 8 weeks left on this assignment. Oh, the pressure!!!

I have so much more I could say but it is now 11:30 and I'm actually beginning to feel sleepy so I'm going to take advantage!! I'm not even going to do my customary re-read for editing so please excuse any errors!!

Thank you my friends for your continued interest in my life, each of you are such a blessing to me and you are forever in my prayers!!

I'm allright!

I had a kinda rough start to my week - I literally broke down on Sunday, cried like a baby! At first, I was really embarrassed by this display of emotion (especially since it occurred on the shoulder of a good friend) but now I'm so glad I did. I realized through several conversations how it was just a release of stress that I have let build for months without even the tiniest outlet. It was kinda scary for me as I don't routinely show my deepest emotions on the outside. I tend to be a stuff and ignore kinda girl (you know stuff it way down deep inside and ignore it). I just kept saying "I don't know what's wrong with me." You know what, nothing is wrong with me except I am a human being with a need for God. I am ashamed at how I lived the last year of my life. I went to church once....can you believe that??? I prayed but I didn't talk to God - I hope you can understand what I mean - and I rarely picked up my bible. I tried to half-ass my way through Beth Moore's 90 Days with the One and Only but never finished it. There were other, more grievous sins that really aren't appropriate for a public confession, as if what I've already said isn't shocking enough. I'm sure you get the point of how incredibly far I had fallen. Maybe I shouldn't share all of this here but I feel a strong need to acknowledge how even a "strong Christian" (yes, someone actually called me this recently and I had no idea I was viewed this way) can become lost in a sinners world. Obviously, all that is wrong cannot be fixed in one week, but just talking it out and recognizing what was going on has made all the difference. I could not have begun to mend without realizing what the root of the problem was. I must pause here to thank all those who gave support, encouragement, advice, unconditional love, and even that shoulder I literally cried on! So, Mom, Cathy, Lucas, Julie, Jenny, and Diane....words cannot express how I appreciate being able to come to you in a time of need and receive the blessing of your responses and concern.

I have fallen at the feet of my Father and He has reached out His Hand and pulled me up, with nothing but love. The inner peace I instantly felt at my repentance is too profound for words. I can only say that my soul smiles. I know I have a long road ahead of me but I am filled with joy at the journey.

I ask for continued prayer as my search for a church continues. I have visited 4 in the area and have yet to get that this is the place feeling. I have known since we attended our first service in Fredericksburg that God would speak to me when I entered the church I should call home for my time here. So far, there has been only one church that challenged me but there are some things going on there that didn't sit well with me. I'm not sure if that's God talking or satan, and I feel I may need to go once more, now that my heart is truly open to God's Will, and listen again.

On a lighter note, Lucas and I took a nighttime tour of National Mall in Washington, DC (that's it's own entity - not a part of Virginia ;) ). I like to call it Memorial Row as it is where most of the memorials are (Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and many others). It was so different, much more beautiful for the most part and much less busy! Amazing how most people are home at one o'clock in the morning on a weekday! Unfortunately, I don't have pictures because I didn't take my camera (dumb me) and the battery in Lucas' died! I think we'll have to go for round two and correct that problem!

Captivating....

I've been working a kinda weird schedule and it has been totally opposite of Lucas and Megan. This has been painful but good for me, I think. I've really struggled with loneliness the past couple of weeks which is crazy considering I was so ready to live alone again. I honestly didn't know what to do with myself. So, I read a few books (including the final three in the Chronicles of Narnia series), took a few bike rides, spent some time on the treadmill and most importantly, reaquainted myself with quiet time. You'll notice I didn't watch any TV, which is sorta sad b/c the apartment is furnished with a huge flat screen over the fireplace! Anyway - I digress. It is sad to me how distant my relationship with my Father has become. I have a deep unhappiness in my soul that I want to blame on many different things, some of which may contribute but are definitely not the source. I seek out many of life's pleasures but ignore the One who can bring me infinite joy. So, I took a trip to Lifeway and picked up a couple of books I think can help. This is not something I usually share but I really struggle with my own self worth. I agonize daily over my purpose, my path, why God allows me to stay on this earth when so many who have so much more to offer are called home. What I've discovered about myself lately is that I really want to have one person in my life who considers me above all else (it's understood that God should always be the top priority). I know I've said I'll probably never get married but that is honestly because I don't believe there is a man out there who would consider himself lucky to be my husband. I have lived with myself for almost thirty years but I still don't love me, how can I expect anybody else to? That sounds unbelieveably pathetic and so full of self pity but it's absolutely the truth. That is why the books I bought are Captivating and the workbook for Do You Think I'm Beautiful. Can I just stop right here to say how good is our God...He knew what I needed even before I did and provided the way for me to fill that need. The night before I went to the bookstore, I wrote these words in my journal (the one I don't post on the internet ;) ), "I am not, nor have I ever been, anyone's number one. I know I'm loved by my family and friends, but no one has ever made me their top priority." I don't want that to be misunderstood...in no way do I expect that from my family or friends, that really speaks to the issue of my mate (or more accurately, my lack of one). So, I open Captivating and the in the first chapter it says....."To be desired, to be pursued by one who loves you, to be someone's priority? At some core place, maybe deep within, perhaps hidden or buried in her heart, every woman wants to be seen, wanted, and pursued. We want to be romanced." This not only speaks to the very thing I'm struggling with, it tells me it's okay and helps me understand why. It's not some selfish desire or defect within me, it's how I'm designed. It also opens my heart to the knowledge that this is exactly the level of love and devotion my God desires of ME. It's amazing to me that God loves each of us so much that He is anguished when we don't give Him the honor, glory, and time He so richly deserves. I know this post is long and makes it sound like I'm living in some deep dark depression, but really, I'm climbing out of one I didn't realize I was in. This is a perfect example of God using my weakness to draw me closer to Him.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:10-12

"You make me beautiful. You make me stand in awe. You step inside my heart and I am amazed. I love to hear You say, who I am is quite enough. You make me worthy of love and beautiful." Beautiful by Bethany Dillon

It's back to the real world soon!

I have been playing for so long, I may have forgotten how to work! I did actually "work" all last week but it was classroom/computer stuff, not patient care. It was essentially stress free and so I feel like I've been on vacation. Unfortunately, I have to start on the unit Thursday so playtime is coming to an end. I feel like I've made good use of the time I've had and I thought I'd share a little of that with you! First of all - I've spent most of my free time with Lucas and Megan - they are superb entertainment! We have gone biking (after a five hour buying expedition), hiking which included wading a nice little creek and wandering some woods, done lots of walking, and made my first visit to DC which included several monuments and museums as well as my first subway ride (known as the Metro). We have visited two area churches which sparked good debates about what we believe is appropriate for church as well as what purpose Sunday morning Worship should serve. We've spent lots of time just chatting - Megan and I are still getting to know each other. She is Lucas's roommate and we just met when we arrived here in VA. I think we will be great friends!!

This is obviously me in front of the Lincoln memorial! Pay no attention to the weirdo in the white shirt. He doesn't belong to us!!
Lucas and I with the Washington Monument in the background.
Megan and I chillin' at the creek.
Lucas and Megan at the National History Museum.

We have many more adventures planned, hopefully our days off will coincide so that we can actually experience them!!!

Quick update!

I really don't have anything fun to say (great way to capture everyone's attention, huh?). I've been working every day this week 8-4 for classroom orientation stuff. First of all - boring, this is the same stuff I hear at every hospital (most hospitals do it on one day). Second - I'm not a day person, I don't function well while the sun is out! Luckily, Lucas and Megan have been tortured right along with me so they provide some much needed entertainment! Third - it keeps storming here and I have been without electric for a total of 9 hours in the 6 days I've been here. I hope that's just a fluke and not the norm!

On a lighter note - I have officially passed all my tests so I guess they're gonna let me stay!

We have big plans for the next three months so I should have something new and exciting to report in the coming weeks.

It's been awhile!

I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted! Good thing no one is really reading this!! There have been many changes in the last few weeks - as I write this from my hotel room in Fredericksburg, VA. This is the location of my soon to be current assigment (I start on Monday). I was too tired to do much exploring tonight but I can already tell this "town" is a lot bigger than I thought. I knew I was in trouble when I had to get on the interstate to go from one side of town to the other! I did make it a point to locate the really important places in town - you know, Target, Kohls.....:)

The drive out here was pretty boring until I got to Virginia. It is really beautiful out here - lots of mountains and trees and everything is green. I was amazed at seeing exit signs proclaiming hotels, gas stations and fast food chains without ever seeing evidence that the businesses actually exisisted. They were obscured by either mountains or trees and I couldn't see them from the highway. I felt like I was driving through a dense forest all day! I did take a backroads route so maybe that had something to do with it - I'll let you know if I discover otherwise.

I made a brief stop at the Natural Bridge which is just north of Roanoke. I had never heard of this natural wonder until my mom mentioned it to me as I was preparing for my trip. She had gone during a trip she took to DC when she was in high school. It is just what the name suggests, a bridge nature made (or more specifically part of James River and a couple of mountains). I crossed over it on my way to see it and didn't even realize, which I'm glad about or I probably wouldn't have made it over! I almost had to turn around in KY b/c there were a couple of bridges that were more than a little scary!! I'll post the pic I took after I get moved into my apt - I have no idea where the USB cable for my camera is!!

This is a little odd, but there was this section of highway that was all "farms." I would probably call them mansions on enormous ranches but they are farms here. They had names like Chopping Bottom, Roll Away Hills and Talleyho! There was enough white fence to circle the globe several times and lets not even get into the manicured lawns!! I couldn't hardly drive for all the rubberneckin' I had to do!!

Anyway - that's what I've been up to in a nutshell! I move in to my apt tomorrow - I'm so glad to be on my own again. It was great to get to spend lots of time with my mom but I'm really just a loner at heart - I crave aloneness (did I make that word up?). I'm really excited for Saturday - my friend, Lucas, is also taking an assignment here and he should arrive Sat afternoon. It's weird that we both ended up here after trying to go to Charleston together and getting ignored! I thought he was going to Boston but due to Mass licensing procedures, he couldn't get a license in time. So, I guess Fredericksburg chose us - I hope it has good things in store!!

I should be sleeping...

but I have to do laundry or I will be going to work in the buff tonight. I know my patients and co-workers will all appreciate my efforts! I have some good news - I have an interview this week. It may be Wednesday or Friday, don't know for sure yet. It is for a hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. Not my first choice but the money is really good! FYI - Fredericksburg in a nice little historical town about an hour south of DC so I will definitely find plenty to do! I'll let ya'll know how everything turns out.

Las Vegas

Hello from Las Vegas! I arrived on Friday for my dear friend Johanna's wedding. Friday was basically a girly day with a little Sean thrown in at the end. We had lunch at this neat Irish pub (Nine Fine Irishmen) in our hotel - New York New York. I drank Magner's which is a fermented apple cider (it's not apple juice no matter what Cindy says). It kinda tasted like beer (which I hate) but sweeter. I actually liked it and even had a second glass later in the evening when Sean arrived. We did a little shopping and then got ready for our big girl's night out. Kelley did a great job planning the bachorlette "party" which consisted of a limo picking us up and giving us a ride down the strip. We were treated to instant access into the clubs (no two hours in line for us) and escorted by our very own VIP hostess. We started the night at Pure (Ceasar's Palace) and ended at Studio 54 (MGM). It was a great time just hanging out and dancing with the girls. A couple of men infiltrated but since they were boyfriend's of the girls, it was okay! I was the first to bow out at around 3:30 or 4, my poor feet just couldn't dance another step! Saturday was a sleepy day with the wedding at 6. It was a great ceremony - Jo looked so beautiful I cried until she yelled at me to stop before she cried!! I was honored by a pre-ceremony picture with the bride and then the entire party and guests took a picture together after the ceremony! I must say - Vegas weddings are no longer just for fly by the seat of your pants elopers - there is definitely a place for the classy and elegant! We had dinner at the World Buffet at the Rio and then it was off to the Tropicana with the gang to play $5 blackjack! We ended the night with a soak of the feet in Kelley and Homero's jacuzzi pool (some people call it a bathtub but when it's that big - I call it a pool)!! Today was pretty lazy, we slept in and then met for lunch at Zeffirino at the Venetian. Cindy and I had to say goodbye to Jo, Marcel, Kelley, Homero, and Sean as they headed back to California - miss you guys already!! We took a stroll down the strip, snapping pictures, shopping and checking out the insides of the hotels! I finally got to see the fountains at the Bellagio and went into the M&M store for some PURPLE! M&Ms. We had a late dinner courtesy of room service and are just chillin'! It has been a great trip, not because of the location but because of the great friends I got to see! There really is a lot more to Vegas than just casino's, clubs, and strippers - if you're willing to dig a little!



Quick update on the new job - I still don't have one! I did get my license but the hospital I would like to work at is notorious for being slow! I may end up staying an extra week or two in Tulsa in effort to get things lined out. It is important to me because my friend, Lucas, is planning to be there. He doesn't have a job yet either (and he submitted before me) so there are still a lot of details to get worked out. I know this would be a great place for me so I put my faith in the Lord that He will get it all worked out! I'll let you know if there are any new developments!

I am officially a follower!!

It's official - I am a follower. I have no original thoughts or ideas of my own, I simply copy what the cool kids do (think Myspace and Facebook)! Even the title and address of my blog (he he - MY blog) are lifted from creative thinkers which some of you may label songwriters! Your mission - should you choose to accept it (and I hope Heather Hughes does) is to determine which ones!!

I'm sort of proud that I am no longer just a voyeur of others blogs. I have my own. That's gotta be another rung on the ladder of maturity! I hope I do some exciting things in the future that will keep you all on the edges of your seats, holding your breaths, anxiously waiting for the next installment! Sorry about the dramatization - I just spent four hours doing continuing education modules and I need to let off a little steam!

I won't bore you with who I am garbage - everyone reading this (is there ANYone reading this??) knows all about me. I basically want to use this to keep you - my beautiful family and amazing friends - up to date on what I'm doing when I'm off traveling.

Currently - I am working feverishly to obtain my nursing license in South Carolina with the idea that I am going to be working in Charleston for the summer. I had originally planned to go to the northeast (specifically Vermont) but there was only one position that held enough interest to actually interview for. The offer came on Friday but the hospital wanted me to do 8 hour shifts. Those are very dirty words in the travel nurse world. A major advantage of this career of mine is that I work three days a week and get to play the other four. It's really hard to see the world if you have to go to work 5 days a week. So, I politely declined. A good friend is planning to go to Charleston and had suggested on Thursday (only the day before, isn't God good) I consider going as well. If all works out - I will get my license app mailed on Monday and have a temporary license in a couple of weeks so that the hospitals will actually look at my profile and want to interview me! I started to stress for a bit but I have several weeks before my current assignment ends and if necessary - I could probably work a couple of extra weeks in Tulsa. I'm also in pretty good shape financially and could even take a couple of weeks off if I wanted to. I know there is a perfect plan at work and if I am meant to be in SC - I will be in SC! Walk by faith, right?

I'll let you know how things turn out!